Dextrose and ringer's

Dextrose and ringer's is used for:

Providing fluids containing various amounts of sugars and electrolytes to your body when you are not able to drink enough liquids or when additional fluids are needed. It may also be used as a way to give other injectable medicines. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Dextrose and ringer's is a sterile solution injected intravenously (IV, into the vein).

Do NOT use dextrose and ringer's if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in dextrose and ringer's

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using dextrose and ringer's:

Some medical conditions may interact with dextrose and ringer's. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

if you have swelling, heart failure, or severe kidney or liver problems

if you are in a coma caused by diabetes or liver complications

if you have confusion, memory problems, or bleeding in your head or spine

if you have high blood potassium, sodium, or acid levels

if you have diabetes or high levels of galactose in the blood

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with dextrose and ringer's. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

corticosteroids (eg, prednisone) or corticotropin because the risk of side effects of dextrose and ringer's may be increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if dextrose and ringer's may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use dextrose and ringer's:

Use dextrose and ringer's as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

Dextrose and ringer's is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you are using dextrose and ringer's at home, carefully follow the injection procedures taught to you by your health care provider.

If dextrose and ringer's contains particles or is discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged in any way, do not use it.

Wash your hands before using dextrose and ringer's.

Do not administer through the same IV set at the same time as blood.

Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and away from pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Dispose of properly after use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain local regulations for proper disposal.

If you miss a dose of dextrose and ringer's, contact your doctor immediately.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use dextrose and ringer's.

Important safety information:

LAB TESTS, including kidney tests, blood glucose levels, and blood electrolyte levels,, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Caution is advised when using dextrose and ringer's in NEWBORNS because they may be more sensitive to its effects.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using dextrose and ringer's during pregnancy. It is unknown if dextrose and ringer's is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using dextrose and ringer's, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of dextrose and ringer's:

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Increased urination; redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.

Proper storage of dextrose and ringer's:

Dextrose and ringer's is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using dextrose and ringer's at home, store dextrose and ringer's as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Keep dextrose and ringer's out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

If you have any questions about dextrose and ringer's, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Dextrose and ringer's is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take dextrose and ringer's or any other medicine. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for you. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about dextrose and ringer's. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to dextrose and ringer's. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You must talk with your healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using dextrose and ringer's.